Formally Recognized:
1979/07/05

Other Name(s)

Links and documents

n/a

Construction Date(s)

1908/01/01 to 1909/01/01

Listed on the Canadian Register:
2007/10/03

Statement of Significance

Description of Historic Place

Lethbridge Fire Hall No. 1 is a three-storey brick building with arched, recessed windows, a prominent bell tower, and three vehicle bay openings. The bricks on the ground floor are painted red. It is situated on a subdivided block in Lethbridge's historic downtown.

Heritage Value

The heritage value of Lethbridge Fire Hall No. 1 lies in its status as the oldest and one of the finest remaining brick fire halls in Alberta. It also possesses value for its historic role as a centre of municipal governance and administration.

Designed in the Italianate style, Lethbridge Fire Hall No. 1 is the most architecturally impressive of all early fire halls in the province. Its size and ornate design symbolize the community's economic aspirations and the new demand for municipal services during the rapid commercial and residential development that took place at the turn of the twentieth century.

Constructed in 1908-09 to replace a smaller brick structure on the same location, Lethbridge Fire Hall No. 1 housed all city offices, council chambers, and both the police and fire departments. Known as the Municipal Public Building, it served in this multi-use capacity until 1917, when the city offices and police department relocated. The building continued to serve as No. 1 Fire Hall until 1974.